Munan

Today I recall an ancient tale about Munan “the man who never turned back”

Gudo was the emperor’s teacher. He used to go for strolls. During one of his long walks Gudo pssed by a village. It was raining and his straw sandals were in pieces. Gudo saw three pairs of sandals offered for sale in a househlder’s window. The lady selling the sandals invited him to stay for the night considering the stormy weather outside (it was stormy last night in Delhi... and there was no current!) The lady told him that her husband drinks and overdoes it. Late night hubby came-Drunk. Gudo offered him wine and fish, which he accepted gladly. Next morn when he came back to his senses he recognized the teacher of the king and was embarrassed. Gudo said that if he drinks and wastes himself away he will not be able to even frame an aim for his life leave alone achieve something meaningful. The man listened and then offered to carry Gudo’s bag for some distance. Gudo assented. After a few miles Gudo asked him to go back. Munan asked for a few more steps with him…Munan never returned and later inherited Gudo –spreading wisdom and compassion.